GM’s Northstar V8 to end production this summer

GM”s much storied Northstar V8 engine will end its run this summer, bringing to close a 17 year old powertrain tradition.

The 4.6 liter Northstar made huge news when it was launched for the “93 Cadillac Allante. GM”s first overhead-cam V8 became linked with the Cadillac brand, with GM even reserving the name “˜Northstar” for Cadillac”s use. Other GM brands used the technology, but not the name.

The departure of the Northstar leaves a hole in GM”s power-train line, as they are left with no overhead-cam architecture, and only the “˜small-block” V8, whose basic design dates back to the 50″s to fill orders for a V8 engine. The question remains however, will the “˜small-block” be perceived as sophisticated enough to compete with the more technically advanced engines coming out of Europe and Japan?

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Straightline